Veteran firefighter retires after 27 years

FAREWELL: Yenda Fire Brigade captain Ken Brasington retires after close to 27 years of serving the community.

FROM rescuing kittens to mopping up dangerous chemical spills and every other emergency in between, Ken Brasington has done it all.

Now after 27 years of selflessly serving the community, the Yenda Fire Brigade captain has retired.

Mr Brasington was appointed as a retained firefighter at the Yenda Fire Brigade on November 15 1987, progressed through the ranks and was appointed deputy captain on the July, 25 1995 and finally became captain on the November 30 1996.

Mr Brasington, who has been the longest serving captain of the Yenda Fire Brigade, serving over 17 years in the position, hung up his uniform for the last time on Monday.

"It has been fantastic, " he said.

"It's something a lot of people should consider taking up.

"You get a lot of self satisfaction as well as job satisfaction."

Mr Brasington received the Fire Brigade's Good Conduct Medal for 10 years of service and the National Medal for Service with two clasps.

During his time as a retained firefighter, as captain, he attended many incidents at Yenda, Griffith and the surrounding areas.

He said among the many incidents he attended, the Yenda Public School fire, which caused significant damage to the school and had to be rebuilt and a HAZMAT incident at Rankins Springs, were the most memorable.

"When I was a kid of about eight or 10 I'd see the fires burning on Binya Hills from home and I think they may have inspired me," he said "You get a real sense of fulfillment when you are working as part of a team to serve the greater purpose.

"It's time for me. I want to free up some of my time a bit to spend with family."

Mr Brasington's name will be inscribed in the station's honour board, plus his time served as a retained firefighter.